Review: Black Eyed Sons – Cowboys In Pinstriped Suits
Off Yer Rocka Recordings (January 28th, 2025)
Reviewer: Grant Foster
The fall out between Spike and the rest of the Quireboys as they were, split fans down the middle.
Suffice to say, common sense finally prevailed and both outfits have new product to savour.
The Black Eyed Sons Guy Griffin, Keith Weir, Paul Guerin, Pip Malling and Nick Maling have enlisted the collaboration of a host of star names on their first album. The likes of Joe Elliott, Charlie Starr, Chip Z’Nuff, Josh Todd, Mike Tramp, Ryan Roxie and others are enlisted to the cause.
I know the question you’re asking though.
Is it any good and does it sound like the Quireboys?
My initial thoughts are rootsy, earthy, organic. Not unlike the Quireboys, but they seem more soulful, more country, more whistful in their approach. But it’s still that rootsy rock that holds it all together.
Guy Griffin has a perfectly fine voice, but what this release has is strong songs. And there’s a unique way that the guests who appear, have it seems, had the songs tailored for them.
One voice in particular is a perfect fit and that is Mike Tramp‘s. You would never think it’s the same Tramp who fronted White Lion.
All in all, the Black Eyes Sons have made an album that is going to spend a long time on your playlist. Whether it’s up loud or dialled down whilst you flit around the living room with a duster and Jack Daniels.
The songs are the winners here. The style and delivery by all concerned make sure of that.
Tracklisting:
1. Lie to me
2. Medicine w/ Josh Todd, Stevie D (Buckcherry)
3. Foolin’ Yourself w/ Steve Conte (New York Dolls, Michael Monroe) Kyf Brewer (Company Of Wolves/Barley Juice)
4. Autumn Reigns w/ Charlie Starr (Blackberry Smoke)
5. Cowboys in pinstriped suits w/ Joe Elliott (Def Leppard) Ryan Roxie (Alice Cooper) Chip Z’Nuff (Enuff Z’Nuff)
6. Don’t throw me in the corner w/ Chip Z’Nuff (Enuff Z’Nuff)
7. Your True colours w/ Mike Tramp (White Lion)
8. Savoir faire w/ Alan Clayton (Dirty Strangers) Steve Conte (New York Dolls, Michael Monroe) Chris Johnstone (Quireboys)
9. Dig me out of this hole w/ Scotti Hill (Skid Row)
10. So Glorious w/ Dan Reed (Dan Reed Network)
11. Can’t put your arms around a memory w/ Ryan Roxie (Alice Cooper)
Line-up:
Guy Griffin – Guitar & Lead vocals
Keith Weir – Keyboards
Paul Guerin – Guitar and Backing Vocals
Pip Malling – Drums
Nick Maling – Bass
Discover more from ROCKPOSER DOT COM
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
You must be logged in to post a comment.